Monthly Archives: December 2011

Carrier IQ is getting beat up. Amid the flurry and speculation around the use of its stealth-ware on handsets for certain carriers, the company now has to contend with a federal investigation. This is prompted by the software’s ability (and use of that ability) to track a number of activities conducted on smartphones including SMS and browsing without the users’ knowledge. And then sends that information to the carrier to use it as they see fit. Alas, it doesn’t take a legal eagle to note the potential for serious privacy law infringements. Unlocked cell phones provide an excellent way to protect yourself against carrier tracking your personal SMS and mobile usage.

In the wake of this bombshell, The Washington Post reports that Carrier IQ execs met with officials from the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and also with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) on Tuesday. The article also included this response from the Carrier IQ representative, Mira Woods, “We are complying with all investigations at this time as we have nothing to hide […] we have been completely transparent through this process.” Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Discover the latest in innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside our brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Questions regarding these practices and technology first arose this September which Carrier IQ was able to quell. Unfortunately for the software company, a security researcher by the name of Trevor Eckhart recently thrust the company back into the spotlight and now into the arms of the FTC and FCC. While Carrier IQ insists that its software is actually innocuous and “collects enough information to understand the customer experience with devices on our network and how to devise solutions to use and connection problems,” Eckhart was able to prove that the company actually collected and shared data that could include personal data, location information, and key strokes. What better advertisement for unlocked smartphones is there? Discover the widest online selection of Bluetooth Headsets and BlueTooth Car Kits. Latest technology from top brand manufacturers. Hands free functionality is designed for the interactive 'on the go' lifestyle and allows safe driving.

As this is the kind of scandal that breathes life into 1984-esque conspiracy theories, it is no surprise that Tuesday also brought further allegations were made against the FBI, insinuating that the bureau may also be taking advantage of this technology to silently spy and collect information on smartphone users. The prompt for this accusation was the denial of a Freedom of Information Act request made to the bureau in regards to the Carrier IQ scandal. Consumers would be well advised to research the practices of carriers and manufacturers in this matter and leverage unlocked cell phones to protect privacy and information.

Smartphone manufacturers and carriers alike have also entered the fray to let the public know whether they use Carrier IQ’s software or now. Unfortunately, a public that feels betrayed and spied upon (and is still unaware of exactly what information has been gathered and shared from their smartphone usage) is not at ease or consoled by their statements. No doubt, class action lawsuits will be the next step in this ever unraveling drama.

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Technology companies are increasingly traded, acquired, and merged within industry similar to commodities with enormous sums of money involved. Since the stakes are high in these transactions - industry rumors of sales, mergers and acquisitions are closely monitored and followed. It is this high-energy atmosphere that may account for Nokia’s inability to quell rumors swirling about selling its Nokia cell phone line of business to Microsoft.

The Finnish company’s smartphone future was called into the speculation spotlight once again this Wednesday when Danske Bank informed its clients that Nokia will be selling the smartphone division to Microsoft sometime in the first half of 2012. This kind of claim carried serious clout as it came from the largest bank in Denmark. And with any speculation, there is money to be made which undermines some confidence in veracity. After making this announcement, Danske Bank changed the rating of Nokia stock from “Hold” to “Buy” - appropriately, and strangely similar sounding to Microsoft’s bing.com price predictor…). Empower your ability to enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool. Discover select accessories, such as, stylus & pens, SD Memory cards, data cables, chargers and batteriesall specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

This could be a great move for the Scandinavian company as they have seemed to struggle with the transition from feature phones to smartphones. The Symbian OS is nowhere as popular as its Google and Apple counterparts and its most recent smartphone releases are sporting Windows OS. The mobile accessories, consumer driven and end-user intuitive electronic gadgets have been surprisingly lacking as well which has affected the “stickiness” of the smartphones in the global market place. And where is the tablet to accompany and complement these technologies?

In May Nokia vehemently denied the rumors of a sale, but they kept cropping up as reports continued to come in that the two companies were indeed in discussions. The response from Nokia this time? “We put these rumors to rest a long time ago.” Clearly not, Nokia. Clearly not.

Just in time for holiday parties, Apple unleashed its iPhone 4S on the masses. This optimist’s belief is that Apple was being very considerate in providing hosts and guests alike the perfect party trick: Siri. It certainly provided an hour of entertainment at my last dinner party... although Siri did not answer any of my questions in a satisfactory manner. Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Discover the latest stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases which allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these innovative protection solution accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Hopefully, Google’s up and coming counterpart will have a better sense of humor. Rumor has it that the Android solution which would amp up the capabilities of “Voice Actions” on their smartphones and close the competitive gap that Siri created. AndroidandMe recently reported that the project is referred to by the code name “Majel” and could be released as early as the end of this year. As this technology will amp up smartphone usage even more, customers should be sure to use the latest in hands-free device such as Bluetooth headsets or BlueTooth Car Kits when taking advantage of this technology while driving (especially with amped up holiday patrols and tricky weather conditions).

Along the same lines as Siri, Majel is said to use the same method of conversational speech to issue queries in lieu of having to make use of limited compatible commands. The freshman release doesn’t look to allow end-users to control the phone or its installed applications, but that functionality may be in the pipeline for sometime next year. This is great for expanding the scope of hands-free technologies available on the market for both Android and Apple mobile devices. Discover an extensive selection of the latest lithium technology replacement cell phone and wireless devices batteries. Ensure your device is powered by brand name batteries for longer operating life.

For the moment, Majel is still a rumor, but Google’s actions all seem to have iOS and Apple in its sights to take down as competition, so… it is likely a very credible rumor. In fact, on Tuesday they announced the acquisition of Clever Sense (the developer of “Alfred,” a personal assistant software). We are still vague on whether Alfred (who IS quite similar to Siri) will be integrated into the first Majel launch (we can say with certainty that Alfred will not clean the bat cave or pick up dry cleaning). Enhance your mobility... turn your device into a power tool. Discover select memory and electronic accessories specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

For those Android users who have Siri envy that needs to be assuaged now, there are a couple third party assistant apps available in the Android marketplace (easily found by searching “Cluzee” or “Iris”). Otherwise, keep a running list of all your Majel questions for when it is made available in the coming weeks or months! Break away from long -term service provider contracts... enjoy the freedom of unlocked cell phones.

Have you ever wondered what kind of advances could be made in the world if hackers and malicious code writers put their brains to something not quite so… well, malicious?

Alas, that is a an unlikely scenario considering hackers consider breaking into an OS and accessing it at the root level as something of an art form and a sport. Like IT Tai Chi. Accessories are designed to protect, personalize and enhance your mobile devices. Discover innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories from the industry's most leading brands

The victim of the most recent OS hack? Microsoft’s Windows Phone. It looks like the attack is carried out through an SMS or a chat message from either Facebook or Windows Live Messenger and is used to disable the phone’s Messaging hub. Get powered up for work, life and play easily and conveniently with their collection of desktop chargers, wall chargers and car chargers. Get all the power and energy you need for the mobile lifestyle.

Some affected users will be notified of the infiltration by the Live tile pinned to the homescreen from the contact you received the message from. Then the phone will freeze. These victims have an easier fix – restart the device and remove the tile prior to it completely loading. A hard reset is still required, but allows a quick backup of photos etc. To prevent a possible infection of your Windows OS at the PC level, use of removable memory is a good precaution. Discover the widest online selection of Bluetooth Headsets and BlueTooth Car Kits. Latest technology from top brand manufacturers. Hands free functionality is designed for the interactive 'on the go' lifestyle and allows safe driving.

Unfortunately, in other cases, post attack, the Messaging hub cannot start and will require a hard reset on the device. As with any device consumers, need to consider removable memory cards as a seriously good idea in the event the handset and OS are compromised.

To rule out device specific flaws, Windows Phone 7.5 (for both build 7720 and 7740) were tested. Those results point to an issue at the OS level and not with the devices.

In all, this malware appears relatively innocuous as it doesn’t appear to compromise the security of the device and Microsoft is already working on a fix.

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Free smartphone? Yes, please! A recent tweet posted by a Microsoft employee, Ben Rudolph, stated that any Android phone owner whose phone is infected with malware can get a chance to win a free, new, Windows Phone. Best news is that the lucky recipients of Microsoft’s benevolence will have the extra funds to dress up their new mobile device with top of the line decorative skins and protective cases.

A simple tweet with the unfortunate consumer’s story under the hashtag (#) windowsphone will get the process started. To sweeten the pot, Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) recently released smartphones are powerful and a solid bet and for the cost savings, the little extra bits of memory and phone enhancing goodies are a great option too. Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Discover the innovative protection solutions which allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

So what was the impetus for a Windows Phone promotion? Supposedly it is linked to the recent reported that there are more than 100 applications in the Google Android Market that have been infected with malware. Because of Google’s open source approach to applications, these malware attacks are certain to be more commonplace than in applications designed for iOS. The flip side is that Android users have many more devices, carriers, and plans to choose from with the higher number of unlocked phones available. Security software companies are beginning to treat smartphones as additional computers that also require antivirus protection, so Android customers can proactively seek protection. Enhance your mobility.... turn your device into a power tool. Discover select accessories, such as, stylus & pens, SD memory cards, data cables, chargers, batteries and other premium electronic accessories specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

The phone promotion may be a generous offer from the smartphone manufacturer, but there may be ulterior motives. Earlier this week, WinRumor posted a story highlighting a security flaw that would reboot any Windows Phone device via text message. After the reboot, the messaging client on the device is then non-functioning and completely useless. Let trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Our extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

There has not been a response from Microsoft yet regarding the WinRumors Monday nor given additional details on how this particular security flaw works. The video below may give you a better idea though.

Imagine your college days where you spent hours vying with Nintendo 64 MarioKart rivalries. Then those hours invested unearthing secret jumps and shortcuts to gain an advantage and leave your competitors in the dust. Technically there were eight contenders. But you and your rival knew it was really just between the two of you. Let trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Our extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

In perfect strategy mode, the grand prix allowed for the non-threatening competitors to get some shots in and give you an advantage. Battle mode was just too straightforward and messy. This is eerily reminiscent of the global competition between Google’s Android OS and Apple’s iOS. Unlocked cell phones enable you to break free from service provider shackles... choose your preferred service provider and negotiate a service contract that better meets your individual interactive needs.

Those players that helped shape the market initially are rapidly faltering under the momentum of these two dominant players. 2011 saw a clear break from the pact for both Android, which holds a majority 53% of the market, and iOS who continues to grow with 29%. RIM keeps faltering (down to 11% market share). The previously mighty Microsoft fumbles over its feet with a meek 2% toe hold on the mobile device mountain. How much this has to do with unlocked device availability isn’t noted, but research indicates this is a huge driver in Google Android’s exponential growth. XMI speakers deliver uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today's interactive lifestyle. Earpieces and headsetscombine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure

To further explain, Connected Intelligence’s executive director (Ross Rubin) said. “The competitive landscape for smartphones, which has been reshaped by Apple and Google, has ultimately forced every major handset provider through a major transition.” The same Ross Rubin continued with, “for many of them, 2012 will be a critical year in assessing how effective their responses have been.” Consumer driven devices, accessories, and apps are huge markers for success as smartphones and tablets are increasingly integrated into day to day needs and usage. Discover the innovative protection solutions which allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

For more by-the-numbers analysis, here is NPD’s chart breaking down smartphone share in the U.S. by platform.

When the sun never set on the British Empire, prisoners were being shipped to Australia as prison labor. Ship captains were paid by the government to transport these offenders – paid by the number of prisoners on the ship when leaving Great Britain. The result? Overcrowding, malnutrition, and death.

The government needed this free labor to tame the harsh continent, so how did they change the behavior of the ship captains? They changed the incentive. When ship captains were compensated based on the number of prisoners who arrived in Australia alive, conditions improved almost immediately and the labor source was preserved.

Apply this concept to application developers in the 21st century and the continued popularity of iOS with those developers becomes a lot clearer. When reviewing the number of mobile devices activated every day (550,000 Android OS vs. Apple iOS’s 450,000), logical math should lead developers to Google Android for increased consumer traffic, and in turn, revenue. Much to Google chairman Eric Schmidt’s chagrin (although he is in denial), app developers continue to create their applications with iOS in mind. Discover the innovative protection solutions which allow you to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Why? The money is with Apple devices. And Apple’s device accessories are more uniform and easier to develop for as well. When Flurry Analytics was reviewing analysis between the two platforms, the comparisons were sharp. Samples of in-app purchase data (those apps with more than a million daily active users that are available to both iOS and Android users) showed that the Google Android applications produced a mere 24% of revenue compared to Apple. Enhance your mobility.... turn your device into a power tool. Discover select accessories, such as, stylus & pens, SD memory cards, data cables, chargers, batteries and other premium electronic accessories specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.
But before jumping off the Android App Train, keep a few things in mind. Flurry didn’t release the details on what sample size was or other details of the analytical measures. Also, it was only in-app purchases tracked – not paid downloads. So while not conclusive, these numbers to point to potential motivation behind developer projects… And with iOS representing three-quarters of new projects started in the past six months, Google is figuratively still receiving a lot more dead prisoners. If they can change the motivation for developers, Android users will have the best of both worlds: unlocked phones, top of the line apps, and a powerful OS in their smartphone. Let trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Our extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

Ode to Microsoft… your OS can be jailbroken and yet your capable of spinning it into a collaborative opportunity with researchers. You share the Windows Mobile love with those Android customers who fell victim to malware ridden apps. And now, your generosity abounds with your sharing of Lync Mobile app with the OS platform competition. RIM, Android, and iOS. Talk about putting good juju vibes into the universe. In the same spirit, let PureMobile's trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Our extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

Release of this popular enterprise messaging suite to the competition will be coming soon and is slated to be followed by the unveiling of a version of OneNote for iPad. What looks to be a beautiful solution, OneNote will sync with your SkyDrive account. Easy, breezy cloud access to your files, notes, lists, and the ever growing list of « to-dos ». For those customers wary of the cloud, Apple memory storage accessories may be a better fit. XMI speakers provide uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today's interactive lifestyle - while earpieces and headsets combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure

There are more mobile device centric apps out there to make you more productive and efficient (EverNote, Springpad, etc), but Microsoft has made its OneNote very competitive with the interface with iPad. It is native, simple and appealing. The price point deserves everyone's attention it's FREE. There is a 500 article limit on the free version which may be perfect for the casual user. Get powered up for work, life and play easily and conveniently with desktop chargers, wall chargers and car chargers. Get all the power and energy you need for the mobile lifestyle.

For those customers that will heavily incorporate this tool into the management of their daily lives and business, there is a full version available for $14.99 for the iPad. At the moment this app has to be downloaded separately for iPhone (which will cost less, $4.99, for unlimited use) and is not iOS universal. Heavy tablet use can be hard on the hands, so for customers who use the unlimited versions for either of the Apple devices, a stylus would be a great investment. Discover an extensive selection of the latest lithium technology replacement cell phone and wireless devices batteries. Ensure your device is powered by brand name batteries for longer operating life

With the laws of karma at work, this writer fully expects some great business and news to come Microsoft’s way. And, with its consumer centric, collaborative and open philosophy, perhaps it can influence Apple to take notes and make more unlocked cell phones.

Imagine shopping with the need to not : to find parking, to navigate in crowded malls, to compete with other shoppers for items and to wait in line for checkout. These are the major inconveniences driving more and more people to shop on line. Ah!.... finally shopping simplified. Accessories are designed to protect, personalize and enhance your mobile devices. Discover stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases that enable to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name innovative protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Online retailers are rejoicing as the number of people that transact business online continues to grow! Tis the season for full-blown consumer spending that can shore up fledging sales and re-energize retailer's momentum going into 2012. Considering the volatility of international markets and Wall Street, a little bit of consumer driven good news is welcome to all. Even better news is that holiday spending is up a full 15% from this same time last year. According to a report released by comScore, US consumers have spent almost $25 billion to date this holiday season. In a surprise twist, it is online retailers that are leading the pack. Let trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Discover an extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

The research group, comScore, looked at purchasing trends starting in November and reports that $479 million was shelled out on Thanksgiving Day. And the subsequent day, Black Friday? Spending significantly jumped to a whopping $816 million. That weekend (Saturday and Sunday) totaled up sales of $886 million. PureMobile is the exclusive online dealer for XMI Speakers. Uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today's interactive lifestyle. Earpieces and headsets combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure

Think that would be end of the marathon shopping? No way. Cyber Monday brought in record sales: 1.25 billion! Purchasing sweaters and shoes from online retailers comes with a greater degree of risk compared to the web slingers of the latest and greatest tablets, media players, and the associated accessories. Consumers are hot for the latest unlocked cell phones, BlueTooth Headsets, and other memory and electronics accessories hits that online retailers can easily bundle and promote.

2011 Holiday Season To Date vs. Corresponding Days* in 2010Non-Travel (Retail) SpendingExcludes Auctions and Large Corporate PurchasesTotal U.S. – Home & Work LocationsSource: comScore, Inc.

Millions ($)

2010

2011

Percent Change

November 1 – December 9

$21,405

$24,622

15%

Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24)

$407

$479

18%

Black Friday (Nov. 25)

$648

$816

26%

Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov. 26-27)

$886

$1,031

16%

Cyber Monday (Nov. 28)

$1,028

$1,251

22%

Week Ending Dec. 9

$5,149

$5,925

15%

Not to be outdone, comScore writes, “Monday, December 5, 2011 now ranks as the second heaviest spending day in history at $1.18 billion,” the report said, “followed by Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at $1.12 billion and Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at $1.11 billion.”

The newest addition to shopping days christened with unique names is “Green Monday” which will really kick off the heaviest sales week of the holiday season for online retailers. Add the convenience of avoiding the mall and easily comparing promotions (huge when making tablet and mobile device purchases). And, based on the numbers released so far, all retailers are looking to close the season on a high note. More and more consumers are protecting, personalizing and enhancing their mobile devices such as, stylus & pens, glider gloves, additional batteries, earpieces and headsets and other premium electronic accessories

Not to editorialize or personalize the matter too much, but this writer has to give points to Nokia’s Niels Munksgaard for his recent statement this Tuesday. As the company’s global director of portfolio, product marketing & sales stated, “What we see is that youth are pretty much fed up with iPhones. Everyone has the iPhone,” Munksgaard said. “Also, many are not happy with the complexity of Android and the lack of security. So we do increasing see that the youth that wants to be on the cutting edge and try something new are turning to the Windows phone platform.” Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with our stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases accessories.

With experience in the antivirus, security sector... where strangely company policy dictated a move from BlackBerry to either an Samsung or an iPhone device, and also as a professional woman who has little patience with overly complex technologies, this statement seriously resonates. It also is on par with my company’s global mobile security expert. Nokia is potentially the Goldilocks option.

Any professional not immersed in creative fields with their attention buried in their Macbook, is familiar with Windows. Pair a familiar OS with a user firendly smartphone and there is a happy medium in a welcome user friendly interface, a warm familiarity, and - for the me-centric generation I belong to – a unique smartphone that I can further accessorize to let the world know what I stand for sans Facebook status update. Enhance your mobility... turn your device into a power tool. Discover select accessories, such as, stylus and pens, memory cards, data cables, chargersand other fun gadgets specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Having been a user of BlackBerrry (RIM OS), an Android (don’t even ask me the device manufacturer), and now an iPhone, I have long wondered if there was something between the two extremes. According the Munksgaard, Nokia is taking a different path as its competitors essentially recycle one another’s products. “The marketplace is extremely crowded. I refer to it as the sea of sameness,” the Nokia executive said. “When you walk up to a retail shelf at Phones4U and see the number of black mono-blocks sitting on the shelf, it is very confusing to the consumer. We want to deliver services and phones that are different.” Conversely, it is the fashion and personalization through protective accessories (and shared accounts with other Apple devices acquired post iPhone) that will make a transition challenging.

To date, the Finnish mobile device manufacturer has released two Windows phones: unnder the the Nokia Lumia banner and all indicators point to another smartphone unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show in the appropriately glitzy Las Vegas next month.